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Washburn to pursue state grant applications for roads, drainage and lead-line funding; consultants to refine alternatives
Summary
Consultants recommended reapplying for a state flexible transportation grant and seeking lead-service-line funding after identifying 15 lead customer lines; commissioners approved staff and consultant follow-up to refine drainage alternatives, pursue grants and confirm landowner easements for a potential east-diversion drainage route.
Abby Ritz, a consultant with AE2S, updated the commission on several infrastructure priorities and asked permission to begin grant work for street and drainage projects.
Ritz said the city’s seal coat contractor expects to start work in July and that materials for the PRV project have been ordered. For street work, she recommended reapplying for the state's flexible transportation grant program now that additional funding is available; she said AE2S had drafted an application and could submit and coordinate letters of support.
On drainage, AE2S described three route alternatives to move runoff out of town, including a proposed third route that would take runoff east of the city. "We want to look at updated numbers and feasibility depending on if the route you've discussed with that landowner is feasible," Ritz said, noting the State Water Commission may fund drainage that originates outside city limits but will reduce aid for portions served by in-city stormwater. The consultant said the water commission could still fund a substantial share — up to roughly 60% in a best-case scenario — of eligible drainage work that reduces regional flood risk.
Ritz also said the city has identified 15 customer lead service lines and recommended applying for inclusion on the state revolving fund list that can make the city eligible for loan forgiveness and low-interest replacement funds. "It's first come, first serve," she said, urging the commission to apply to preserve funding eligibility.
Commissioners asked AE2S to provide cost estimates for the three drainage alternatives, confirm the engineering costs for the grant application, and to coordinate with landowners about easements; the commission approved moving forward with the flex-fund application and the lead-service-line program application.
Next steps: AE2S will provide updated cost estimates for the alternate drainage routes and deliver an application for the transportation grant and for lead-service-line eligibility. Commissioners tasked staff to confirm easements with landowners and to coordinate with the park board where projects affect park property.
